Energy Costs
Energy Costs | Solar Installation | Electrical | Cowan
Imagine slashing your power bills while taking charge of your home’s energy future in Cowan. HEP’s team brings decades of electrical expertise and the best-in-class panels, inverters, and smart monitoring to craft a seamless solar installation that works perfectly with your lifestyle. From analysing your current energy use to designing a tailored rooftop array, we handle every step with precision, so you see real savings from day one.
What sets us apart is our commitment to long-term value. Transparent pricing, no-surprise warranties, and responsive local support mean you can enjoy cleaner energy without the stress. Whether you’re looking to future-proof a new build or retrofit an existing property, HEP delivers a solution that makes economic and environmental sense—lighting up Cowan homes with sunshine-powered reliability.
FAQs
How much can I save on my electricity bills by installing solar panels in Cowan?
Cowan receives around 4.5–5.0 kWh of solar irradiation per square metre per day, which means a correctly sized 6.6 kW system can produce roughly 25–28 kWh of electricity daily. At the current retail tariff of about 30 c/kWh, that generation can offset $7–$8 in grid power each day, or $2,500–$2,900 a year. Even after allowing for night-time usage that you still buy from the grid and a conservative feed-in tariff of 7–9 c/kWh for excess exports, most households see their electricity bills fall by 60–80 %. Typical simple payback periods in Cowan are 4–6 years, after which the energy is effectively free for the remaining life of the system.
What size solar system do I need for the average household in Cowan?
The right size depends on your daytime consumption, roof space, and budget. A three-person home that uses 15–18 kWh per day usually installs a 5 kW array, while families of four or more often select 6.6 kW to 8 kW. If you plan to add an electric vehicle, pool pump, or electric hot-water system, going up to 10 kW can future-proof your energy needs. As a rule of thumb, match your panel capacity (in kW) to at least 80 % of your annual daytime load to maximise self-consumption and payback. Our design team will analyse your past bills, roof orientation, and shading to recommend an optimised system size.
What rebates or incentives are available for solar installations in Cowan?
Residential systems under 100 kW qualify for federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). For a 6.6 kW array in 2024, STCs reduce the upfront price by roughly $3,000–$3,200. In addition, NSW residents can apply for zero-interest loans up to $14,000 for solar-battery combos and up to $9,000 for standalone batteries via the Solar for Low Income Households Program (eligibility criteria apply). You will also receive a feed-in tariff from your retailer—currently 7–12 c/kWh—credited for each kilowatt-hour you export. Our consultants handle all STC paperwork and will guide you through any state incentives for which you qualify.
How long does a solar installation take from quote to switch-on?
Once you accept our quote, we lodge a grid-connection application with Ausgrid, your local network distributor. Approval typically takes 3–10 business days. We then schedule installation, which is usually completed in one day for systems under 10 kW. After installation, an accredited level-2 electrician submits the Certificate of Compliance, and your retailer installs a new bi-directional smart meter if you don’t already have one; that changeover can take another 5–15 business days. All up, most Cowan customers are generating solar power within 3–6 weeks of signing their contract.
Will my solar system work during blackouts and at night?
Standard grid-connected systems automatically shut down during a blackout to protect line workers, so they will not power your home unless you add a battery or a specially configured blackout-protection inverter. At night, panels produce no energy, so you draw electricity from the grid (or from your battery if you have one). Adding a lithium battery such as a 10 kWh unit can cover evening usage and provide backup during outages, reducing reliance on the grid to almost zero.
What maintenance is required and what is the expected lifespan of solar panels?
Solar PV systems are mostly set-and-forget. Panels have no moving parts and are rated to withstand hail up to 25 mm in diameter and winds over 180 km/h—ideal for Cowan’s coastal climate. We recommend a visual inspection and light clean every 12–18 months to remove dust, bird droppings, and leaves; this can be DIY with a soft brush and hose, or professionally done for around $150. Inverters have cooling fans and should be kept clear of debris. Tier-1 panels carry 25-year performance warranties (at least 80–84 % of original output in year 25) and 10–15-year product warranties. Quality string inverters last 10–12 years on average, while premium models and micro-inverters can reach 15–20 years. With basic care, you can expect 25–30 years of reliable, low-maintenance energy production.